Desert camping near Rancho Santa Margarita

Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

89% (1202 reviews)
89% (1202 reviews)

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12 top desert campgrounds near Rancho Santa Margarita

99%
(1782)

Down-to-Earth Ecoshire

248 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · CA
Private 35 acre Private Land Restoration Project surrounded by rolling hills, mountain views and open sky. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular year round. Stars and open skies that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else in southern California. Just 15 minutes from Temecula wineries, 40 minutes from the alpine, artsy town of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains, and just 15 minutes from the 215 in Menifee toward Hemet. Best to visit from early autumn to lush springtime where we have great wildflower blooms. Cooperative managers Jim and Dawn host visitors who want to enjoy nature, participate in regenerative gardening all while off-setting their travel footprint. Fees go to our not for profit land restoration which includes planting trees, improving aquifers and enriching the soil. The property is a owned by a restorative co-op (turning a former illegal dump into an oasis of hope) where we invite you to participate in creative local solutions to our larger global problems. * If your group is larger than six adults, pease visit our group listings page. If your group needs special privacy and sound requirements and you'd like to reserve the entirer property, you will need to contact us directly. * Spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. * Our visitor support pricing is $20 for the first person and $15 for all additional adults. Kids 6 - 12 are $5 per night. We don't want to charge for kids 6 and under, so do not include them in your booking. Thanks! * Campfire rings are only in common clearing, designated and permitted areas. Please check for seasonal fire restrictions.
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$10
 / night
50%
(3)

Nalas Lake Play

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Elsinore, CA
Welcome to Lake Elsinore!! Im excited to be your host and help you make some great memories! This land does have a slope. But it also has a flap spot ontop perfect for camping with some amazing lake views and some gorgeous night skys. The stars feel so close to you that you think you can just reach out and grab them! There is a paved road that leads to the top of the street which is the most recommended way to get to this property since the road that google maps gives you is not paved and its too narrow for some cars. You are close to homes and stores. But your also secluded away to give you some privacy. Making you feel at one with nature. This small town is sourrended by loving people making it a jewel not just for the views and lake. This land is perfect for camping tents, Glamping tents, 4x4 Car Campers, and even small RVs(There is a small slope to get up into the property so make sure your RV is capable). The Property is just 3 minutes away from Lake Elsinore, here you can fish, swim, BBq, and many more activity that the lake offers. Being so close to it makes you want to be out there all day and come back at night to enjoy your night shows on the property with the stars. The property seize is 0.11 acres which is 4,791sq Feet. Only about 800sq Feet has a slope the rest is just flat land ontop. That gives you 3,800+ sq feet of land to just enjoy and have fun on!
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$25.99
 / night
96%
(236)

Saddle Up Camp

18 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Aguanga, CA
Saddle Up Ranch is a horse rescue that is ever growing. We have over 180 trees on the property (mostly beautiful flowing California Pepper Trees) and have gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and horse pastures.We offer horseback riding, goat yoga, and goat milking. You can also volunteer and help care for the animals while you are here by feeding, grooming or simply petting them. TJ, our owner, is working her way through the race track. Our campsites are managed by Tony. He works closely with guests to expand our campsites. TJ and many of the guides volunteer hard hours to rehabilitate the horse and give them a good home. You should see how the animals flock to TJ. The ranch also has goats, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. You can support our mission of rescuing horses by booking one of our horseback riding or other services! Thank you for your support! Guests love staying here: "Second stay and looking forward to returning again! <3 We were the only campers during the weekend, it was so serene. It gets very cold at night but the star filled skies are breathtaking. This time during our stay we had 3 kitty visitors and 3 dogs that rolled up to our camp multiple times, it felt like they were checking up on us. It was so cute. The sweet Aussie poked his head in our tent to say "you good?" haha It was so cute and they were extremely friendly and social! The black kitten stayed at our camp all night and cuddled on our laps by the fire. It was such a lovely experience. TJ and her crew have done an amazing job with this place, I don't have enough words to explain. Just see for yourself! You'll love it!! Can't wait to visit again!"
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$30
 / night
99%
(72)

Rock & Tree

17 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Perris, CA
It's so nice to "meet you" Rock & Tree was created by a young and newly married couple, Taryn and and Anson. Anson Krekeler is a folk and blues musician and has traveled all around the U.S. playing his music and I was an aspiring Voice-Over actress. One day, we decided that we wanted to live the rest of our lives hosting live music, and plays and that's how Rock & Tree began. As the idea grew, we wanted to create an Open Canvas so that the guest could dream up what they wanted on our stage. We moved to the Inland Empire from Santa Monica, in 2017 with the dream of building an open canvas event space out of sustainable, re purposed and natural materials. Our mission is help enrich the culture of Perris, CA by providing a unique venue that takes you away from the hustle and bustle and takes you to a wonderland of nature surrounded by rocks and eucalyptus trees.A true passion project, Anson and I are building everything ourselves with the help of our friends and family every now and again. Our process is that we source as much lumber using the dead Eucalyptus trees we have here on the 36 acre property and we are constantly trying to come up with innovative ways to use recycled and donated materials in the venue. We now live on the property in a 24ft camper and we feel so lucky that our dream is slowly becoming a reality. You can follow our journey on our Instagram. 
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$60
 / night
95%
(31)

Skyline Mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · CA
This little farm is being brought back to life! Once part of an 160 acre avocado farm now it is a 15 acre little slice of heaven purchased in 2019. Previously the farm had been let go and now our duty is to get it back in shape. We are making steady progress and fall in love with the land more everyday. Currently we are also planting about an acre of lavender which should be a beautiful backdrop come 2024. Time up here gives you a chance to unwind, unplug, and explore some remaining wildlife in southern California. Come and join us!
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$150
 / night
96%
(23)

The Green Ravine & Trails in De Luz

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Fallbrook, CA
Learn more about this land: A relaxing 20 acres nestled within breathtaking mountain views, overlooking a lush ravine, rolling hills, and ocean breezes the De Luz community is a nature lovers dream. Endless natural terrain, pleasantly quiet for connecting with nature and rejuvenating your spirit. Santa Rosa Plateau trails for hiking, walking, and biking literally 7 minutes away! Only 20-25 minutes from the Temecula valley Famous Old Town, Shopping, Temecula Wineries, and California's largest Natural Lake, Lake Elsinore. Quiet, Secluded and Relaxing!! Thank you and enjoy our Lovely Southern California campsite! Cheers.
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$115
 / night
Booked 1 time

Far Side Wilderness Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Fallbrook, CA
Take a step away from the modern world and immerse yourself in nature at our beautiful Farside Wilderness Camp. Located in the picturesque backcountry of Temecula, this 10-acre wilderness are is nestled in the midst of a lush native Californian riparian forest. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, this secluded getaway is the perfect place to get away from it all and relax. Discover the joys of the simpler life at our Farside Wilderness Camp.
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$95
 / night
83%
(3)

Rocky Mountain Retreat

21 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Romoland, CA
Learn more about this land:Ideal for campers looking for a space to pull away for a couple days and enjoy the desert landscape Also tiny home and van life friendly There is a hike on the property about 5 miles long to the top where there are some beautiful views! Occasional you get the hot air balloons floating in over the lakes in front of the property. If there Is any questions please feel free to ask
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$10
 / night
83%
(3)

Estelle Mountain

3 sites · RVs18 acres · Perris, CA
Do you need a place to stay that is close to everything but feels far away? Do you have a 4x4?  Can your 4x4 pull a self contained vehicle such as a Pop-Up Trailer or RV? The closest neighbors are 1/2 mile away. This is vacant land, in fact its a mountain. The elevation at the base is 1000’ above sea level….. At the top the elevation is 2,600’ above sea level.
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$50
 / night
100%
(133)

The Unhitched Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent37 acres · Colton, CA
The Unhitched Ranch is a family run Clydesdale and Texas Longhorn Ranch. Clydesdales and Texas Longhorns have been the focus of the family owned and operated ranch. The Ranch is approximately 40 acres and is tucked away in a very unique area of Southern California and has spectacular views of the local mountains and city lights. This quaint little canyon is nestled between Loma Linda and Moreno Valley, and is home to about 800 free roaming wild burros that visit frequently.Recently we have added a Gazebo that you can camp near or under as well a a horseshoe pit, and tether ball.  We typically only open the ranch to one group of campers at a time so more than likely you will be alone with us on the ranch.  There is plenty of room for larger groups, feel free to contact us
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$107
 / night
93%
(15)

Villa Sans Souci

2 sites · RVs5 acres · Temecula, CA
Beautiful location on 5 acres at 2200ft, overlooking Temecula Valley wine and horse country with 50-mile panoramic lake, mountain and vineyard views. Vineyard right next door. Close to DePortola Wine Trail wineries and Horseman's Row, just 20 min from Old Town Temecula. Wine tours, hot air ballon rides, horseback riding. Miles of dirt roads to explore. Stunning sunrises, sunsets, scenic views and dark nights for serious astronomy or just stargazing. Two great locations for RV/motorhome (max 37ft) with wifi, water and 30A electric hookups.
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from 
$50
 / night
100%
(115)

Desert Dreamland

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Aguanga, CA
Our family has owned this property nearly fifty years. We currently have one site available - “Desert Mountain Scenic Overlook” - at this time. More sites coming soon! Learn more about this site: This campsite is extremely private and serene with beautiful epic views and a wide open feel. The site is located most of the way up a small mountain but at the base of a larger one if you want to hike up to the top for even better views. You can also hike down and around to explore more of the surrounding nature preserve (over 3,000 acres completely engulfing our 20 acre property), which includes a seasonal creek, granite boulders, and miles of hiking trails. You will find wild sage and buckwheat shrubs growing all over the property, as well as vibrant seasonal wildflowers. The campsite is set far back from roads so it is very peaceful and quiet and allows you to feel free to enjoy yourselves without worrying much about noise. The large flat pad is spacious and should be able to accommodate any sized camper/trailer/RV. There is fresh potable mountain spring water and a septic hookup available at the site. There is currently no water hookup for RV’s and there is no restroom facility (we are planning to install a composting or pit toilet soon). Please come fully equipped with a Luggable Loo or something similar. Access to the site is on a maintained dirt road with cutouts for water run off and high clearance / 4WD is not necessary. Please be prepared though, the road in has some narrow, hilly, curvy stretches. It could appear challenging or intimidating to people with larger rigs. If you have a class A motorhome and are hoping to visit, please message me first and let me know and we can discuss whether the road in will work for you. We are currently in the process of beautifying the area and will post more updated photos soon of the actual site. *Note: Our solar pump went out so the outdoor shower is not currently functional. Also, the site is still a work in progress so there may be some lumber and areas of the site still in the process of being completed.
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$40
 / night

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Desert camping near Rancho Santa Margarita guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience near Rancho Santa Margarita, California, with a desert terrain to explore? Hipcamp has over 2300 options available in the area that match your preferences. With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $45 per night, there's something for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites like Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), The Lovelight Ranch (532 reviews), and The Desert Rose Collective (378 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, and engage in activities such as exploring historic sites, wildlife watching, and even surfing. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in the desert!

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